I was at a coaching summit some time ago and one of the presenters mentioned the power of questions. While that wasn’t the subject of the presentation, I mused about the questions we ask ourselves and others, and how those questions can uncover important but hidden insights about who we are. If you think a question is not important, consider the first question asked in the Bible: “Adam, where are you?” The answer to this question would identify a powerful disclosure not about location, but condition. Here are some other insights I have discovered about questions:
· The right question asked at the right time can change the direction of your life.
· The right question at the right time can open insight into new opportunities, existing mindsets, (productive or otherwise) and give direction for an individual or organization’s lifecycle.
· The right question at the wrong time can provoke anger, confusion or frustration because a person may not be ready to deal with the answer. This response can happen even though you asked exactly the question that needs to be addressed.
· Anger, confusion or frustration because of a question asked could indicate a fear of dealing with a subject or topic.
· The wrong question at the right time could close a door to discovery because the wrong question directs away from possible solution(s).
Are you asking yourself any questions right now? Often the questions in our heart provoke a search that when pursued, will lead to the solution to an issue or problem we are facing. Don’t avoid the questions, no matter how hard they are; lean into them. And don’t steer clear of the people in your life who ask the hard questions; they serve a valuable function to your leadership.
As we consider Q2 evaluations and conversations, what situations in your business or your heart prompt questions? Don’t move past those questions but pause and listen. What happens internally as you consider the questions? Do you get irritated? Do you feel defensive? Fearful? Do some questions point to a hard thing you know you should be doing (or not doing) that will solve a persistent problem? Are you reluctant to do what is right and necessary for your team? What adjustments can you make based on new information you might have? How will you respond to the new insights you have gained?
Questions are an important part of learning about yourself and the work you are doing. Don’t let fear of not having the answers stop you from discovering what’s next for your life. Reach out to us if one of your questions is, "Who can help me?"
Michele Aikens is CEO & Lead Coach of Clear Sight Coaching & Consulting, Inc. You can connect with her here.
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